Ex-Catholic school janitor charged over hidden cameras

Nov. 29, 2012
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The Gloucester City Police Department in New Jersey arrested John Martin, 41, on Wednesday after he was accused of videotaping students and teachers with hidden cameras. / Gloucester (N.J.) City Police Department

Authorities said those on camera at at Gloucester Catholic High School were often in various states of undressing.

John Martin, 41, was charged with third-degree invasion of privacy after he turned himself in to police Wednesday afternoon. He was later released on the condition he stays away from the high school, students and staff.

Martin set up the cameras, which were approximately a quarter-inch in diameter, in eight rooms, including classrooms, the school's choir room, weight room, backstage area, maintenance facilities and football area.

According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, the cameras were hidden inside ventilation ducts and smoke detectors. Most of the images and recordings are of female students and teachers.

"Gloucester Catholic High School is committed to the safety and security of our students," school officials said in a statement released Wednesday. "We are gratified to have been able to work with law enforcement to eliminate the misuse of the school's security cameras."

Martin, who worked as the chief custodian for 18 years, was also responsible for the school's video surveillance system. Authorities said the cameras, installed without the school's knowledge, were linked to the existing video security system at Gloucester Catholic.

Martin resigned from his job at the school Nov. 21 after being interviewed by investigators. Authorities said a witness, who has seen the pictures, informed law enforcement last week.

Martin is alleged to have been found in possession of hours of video footage and a large cache of pictures which appear to be screenshots taken with his cellphone from the video. Authorities believe he did not sell the videos or make them available over the Internet.

Pictures were, however, shown to at least two other people. But the number of images Martin possessed, who he distributed them to, and how long he was recording people at the school is still under investigation.

The prosecutor's office and school staff are reviewing the video to identify the people in the recordings. Anyone identified either has been or will be contacted by law enforcement.

Parents were notified of the incident Tuesday in a letter sent by Principal John T. Coleman.